Christopher M. Ranger Email & Phone Number

Wooster, Ohio

Leads and conducts research to characterize the chemical ecology of interactions among insect, plants, and fungi. Research efforts identify biological weaknesses in host-insect-microbe interactions. Heavy emphasis on solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), and gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD). Prepares peer-reviewed publications on hypothesis-driven research projects, seeks extramural grants, supervises postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, and visiting scholars. Interacts with the scientific community and stakeholders, and regularly presents invited seminars to international and national audiences. Project Director of a $7.5M grant from the USDA-NIFA-Specialty Crop Research Initiative on invasive ambrosia beetles infesting horticultural tree crops that includes 30 co-PIs (2021-2025). Principal investigator that has managed more than $2.1 million in funding while leading a 10-year multi-institutional research project; PI or Co-PI on grants totaling more than $2.2 million in additional funds (2006-present).

Serves with other EiCs to facilitate peer review of submitted manuscripts, engages with the Associate Editors and Editorial Board, and identifies cutting-edge research topics.

Responsible for providing peer reviews and making recommendations to the Editor-in-Chief and editorial staff.

Project Director of a $7.5M grant from the USDA-NIFA-SCRI studying ambrosia beetles infesting horticultural tree crops (2021-2025). Leading research and administrative activities by 30 co-PIs in support of the grant.

Responsible for assigning peer reviewers, editing, and final approval on 10 manuscripts per year. Supervising two Associate Editors.

Elected Member to the Publication Council of the Entomological Society of America as the Plant-Insect Ecosystem Section Representative. 2017-2021. Chair of the committee in 2018-2019. Responsible for making recommendations regarding ESA journals.

Ohio Agricultural Research And Development Center, Wooster, Ohio

Responsible for training and providing expertise while serving on graduate student committees.

Conducted bioassays and used HPLC-MS to characterize plant chemical defenses of wild blueberry against aphid pests.

Columbia, Missouri

Isolated and extracted alfalfa glandular trichomes, then conducted bioassay-guided fractionations via flash chromatography and GC-MS to identify fatty acid amides that deter settling by the potato leafhopper.

Propagated and managed an extensive cryogenic collection of fungal cultures under sterile conditions.

University Park, Pennsylvania

Designed and led laboratory lectures to undergraduate students enrolled in Introductory Biology for non-majors.

University Park, Pa

Described the morphology and secretory properties of glandular trichomes on alfalfa. Demonstrated the glandular trichomes secrete defensive compounds that deter settling by the potato leafhopper. Assisted with teaching a course on Integrated Pest Management, including providing a lecture on plant resistance to insects.

Phd, Entomology

Activities and Societies: Sigma Xi Phi Kappa Phi

Ms, Entomology

Activities and Societies: Phi Kappa Phi

Bs, Entomology

1St Dan Black Belt, Song Moo Kwan - Taekwondo